Seat Neutral Start switch on 682

[thenrie]

I need to replace the "Seat Neutral Start Switch" on my 682 (Boss' orders so my daughter can mow with it on our hilly lawn). But before I do, I have a couple questions: First, is this switch the same as a "seat safety switch" other mowers use, where the engine (ergo the mower blades) stops when you get off the tractor? If the tractor should roll, that would kill the motor and stop the mower. By the name, I suspect that is the case, since the "Brake Neutral Start Switch" will not allow the engine to start if the brake is depressed. Just want to make sure before I make effort.

It seems to me that it is simply a normally-open momentary switch, like a horn or starter switch. Nothing special about that. The replacement listed in the Cub parts list is pretty expensive when you include shipping. Anybody found a comparable replacement, or tried anything else?

In looking on the Internet, I came up with a starter switch that looks like the one below. Found the same one locally at Autozone for $10. It needs a 5/8" hole as opposed to the 1/2" hole provided on the fender pan. It is rated at 60A, and about an inch in diameter, so it's way overkill, but at least it's waterproof. Any reason why this would not work? I found others rated at 15A, but they don't appear to be very weather resistant.

Since I really don't like a seat safety switch, because I get off my tractor all the time to do stuff other than mowing, and I don't want to wreck the starter and battery by restarting every time I dismount and remount, I intend to also mount a DPDT (on-off-on) switch, so I can cut out the safety switch when I'm driving and switch it back to normal for mowing.

Any suggestions or comments?

[R Bedell]

There are two different wiring diagrams for the 682/782 tractors, depending on the Serial Number range. What is your Chassis Serial Number...???

[thenrie]

Don't have it right to-hand, but it's in the lower range, 67XXXsomething. Series 1 motor. The parts lookup shows the switch, but it's $28 + shipping from the one sponsor who had one. Wouldn't have been so bad if they had something else I need, so I could combine shipping. I can't imagine this switch is anything special. Just a push-button. The switch body is still on the tractor, but all the innards are gone. The PO just bypassed it.

[R Bedell]

Good enough....it is a IH built model.

The seat switch on this model needs to be satisfied (sat on) in order for the motor to function. If one gets out of the seat, the motor will die.

The switch should be a NO - Momentary Contact Switch with a 15A rating.

[thenrie]

Thanks. I think I'll try this switch I bought. The 15A switches I've found here locally aren't weather-proof and they don't look very substantial, as far as durability. The 60A switch pictured above is what I bought and it looks pretty heavy-duty as well as weather-proof.